Diamond Certified Category Report

Alameda County – Demolition

Dig & Demo is a full-service, environmentally-friendly removal company that handles everything from simple debris removal projects to full-scale building demolition and site clearing projects. The company’s specialty is residential swimming pool removal, and it has removed hundreds of swimming pools across…
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Key Services

Demolition Residential Swimming Pool Removal

AREAS SERVED

Serving the East Bay Area, including Oakland, Concord, Walnut Creek and Pleasanton

Diamond certified companies are top rated and guaranteed

How To Choose

Do You Need Hire a Building Demolition Service in Alameda County?

Old buildings such as neglected homes, aging manufacturing facilities and factories, commercial buildings that are past their prime, dilapidated farm buildings, and stores that need to be renovated can be expensive to maintain and a blight on the neighborhood.

Luckily, there are building demolition companies in Alameda County that specialize in tearing down and removing old buildings to make way for new construction. Some companies even provide gut out services for buildings that are structurally sound but need interior renovations.

But how do you narrow down your choices from all of the demolition services in Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, San Leandro, Alameda, Union City, Pleasanton, Newark and Dublin and beyond to find the one that’s best for your needs?

That’s where careful research comes in.

First, you’ll want to have an idea of the scope of the demolition you need. What is the building in question? Does it need to be completely demolished and removed? Or do you only need a portion removed, or an interior gut-out? Where is the old building located? Will you need to find Alameda County demolition contractors who can remove the building from a tight space?

By understanding the size and scope of the building demolition work you need, you’re more likely to find local demolition contractors who can help you figure out the best way to get rid of the old building that’s causing you problems, and make way for new construction.

Building demolition isn’t something most people have to deal with on a regular basis, so you may feel overwhelmed by the process. However, the helpful articles below can walk you through the process of finding demolition services in Alameda County or your area that can simplify the project for you, and that can make the building removal quick, safe and complete.

Hire Experienced Structure Demolition Services For Your Building Removal
Most local building demolition experts, including those that serve San Leandro, Berkeley, Hayward, Fremont and Oakland and the rest of Alameda County provide building tear-down services for properties including these:

Home removal

Residential tear-downs

Shopping center demolition

Farm building demolition / silo removal

Commercial building demolition

Manufacturing facility demolition

Industrial plant demolition

Commercial building gut-outs

Multi-story residential building removal

Those Alameda County demolition services that have experience with the type of building you’re having removed are more likely to provide accurate bids, create a plan for safe and complete building demolition and debris removal, and perform professionally in all aspects of their jobs.

So verify that the building removal companies you’re considering have successfully completed jobs like yours before hiring a local building demolition service in Dublin, Newark, Pleasanton, Union City and Alameda or your area.

How to Start Your Search for Building Demolition Companies in Alameda County
First, start by thinking through the scope of your project and your goals before calling any local demolition services in Alameda County or near you. Then, outline all of the questions you want to have answered before you choose a building demolition contractor. Decide which are best asked over the phone (these are usually more general questions that will help you narrow down which contractors you want to come and bid on your project), and which are specific to your job and therefore better asked of the three to five demolition services you invite to provide estimates.

After you know what you want to ask and learn, create a list of demolition or building tear-down services near you that may be able to provide the services you need.

While it’s best to choose among Diamond Certified demolition companies because they’re rated Highest in Quality, that may not always be possible. If you’re unable to choose a Diamond Certified building demolition contractor in your area, improve your chances of hiring a good building tear-down company by checking out candidates on the Contractors State License Board website to ensure active license and workers’ compensation insurance. Violations will also appear on their license record, so you’ll know about recent infractions or serious customer grievances that have been reported to the state.

Then check some references given to you by the local residential or commercial building demolition companies you’re considering. Ask to see photos of work they’ve done (before and after photos are best, since that can give you an idea of how well the company performs their job and cleans up after the demolition work is completed), and talk with references about the details of their experiences.

Consider the personal and professional characteristics you want in a demolition contractor. You may be dealing with the company for several weeks before and during the work, so if traits like honesty, timeliness, good communication, cleanliness, follow-through and integrity are important to you, look for these things during the interview process.

OAKLAND — You are the customer. If your goal is to choose a demolition company that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified demolition contractor. Each has been rated Highest in Quality in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top-rated demolition service company and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:

1) Accuracy: All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed, so you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews.

2) Statistical Reliability: A large random sample of past customers is surveyed on an ongoing basis so the research results you see truly reflect a Diamond Certified company’s top-rated status.

3) Full Disclosure: By clicking the name of a company above you’ll see the exact rating results in charts and read verbatim survey responses as well as researched articles on each qualified company.

4) Guaranteed: Your purchase is backed up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you can choose with confidence.

Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.

More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality in customer satisfaction–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified program eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.

Chris Burd is a veteran of the construction industry and owner of Dig & Demo, a Diamond Certified company since 2007. He can be reached at (877) 312-3469 or by email.

Chris Burd

diamond certified contributor profile and expert article

Chris Burd: Demolition Man

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN RAMON — After working in the volatile construction industry for many years, Chris Burd began looking for a career opportunity that would provide greater stability. Ironically, he found it by purchasing a company that specialized in the destabilization of unsound structures—or, more precisely, demolition. “During my former career as a carpenter, I kept getting laid off due to the poor economy,” he recounts. “I reached a point where I wanted to start a family, so I knew I was going to need a more secure professional situation. I started looking into purchasing a company, and when I came across Dig & Demo, it seemed like an ideal scenario—not only was it a well-established business, but with my carpentry background, I felt my skillset was perfect for the demolition industry. Fortunately, everything worked out and I was able to take over the company.”

Today, as president of Dig & Demo, Chris says he enjoys the inherent variety of demolition work. “I can’t stand being stuck in an office, so I like the fact that we’re constantly working at different locations and facing new challenges. Plus, as an avid problem-solver, I really enjoy finding solutions to the issues we encounter on the job.”

A resident of Danville (where he lives with his wife, Elaine, and their young son, Justin), Chris says he appreciates the town’s family-oriented atmosphere. “Danville is a great place to raise a family: the schools are excellent, and the neighborhood we live in is quiet and safe. There are certainly cheaper areas to live, but we feel the quality of life here is worth the additional expense.”

Outside of work, Chris spends most of his time practicing his recently assumed role as a father. “Our son is less than a year old, so he’s the focal point of our lives right now,” he affirms. “Fortunately, one of the benefits of owning a business is it allows me a little more flexibility with my time, which is pretty important at this stage.” When he gets a chance, however, Chris takes the opportunity pursue his favorite hobby of snowboarding. “Snowboarding is my passion. My brother lives in Lake Tahoe, so I go up there a few times a year to hit the slopes.”

In regard to his professional career, Chris believes in the importance of having his priorities together. “The goal of many business owners is to increase profits, but my company and I are focused foremost on customer satisfaction. I believe that as long as you have a sustainable process and can continuously please your customers, it will translate into more business in the future and create greater financial stability. That’s why it’s important to take care of the customer first and worry about the financial aspects second.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Chris says he’d spend some time traveling before shifting into another professional livelihood. “I still have a passion for the quality and craftsmanship that goes into carpentry, so if I retired from this line of work, I could see myself jumping back into that field—specifically finish carpentry.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite season?
A: Winter—it’s when I get to go snowboarding.

Permits in Demolition

by Chris Burd, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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SAN RAMON — Since any type of demolition project requires a permit, it’s a good idea to get the ball rolling early when planning yours. Your contractor should gather all the permits for you, but in order to get the process started,… Read more

Expert Video Tip

Video: Demolition Permits

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Complete Video Transcription:

SAN RAMON — Host, Sarah Rutan: When planning for a demolition project, you’ll need to know some important information regarding permits. Today we’re in San Ramon with Diamond…
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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM THESE TOP RATED COMPANIES

Before

Before

After

After

Before

Before

This customer’s yard was overrun with weeds.

Dig & Demo specializes in swimming pool removal.

The customer’s yard after Dig & Demo cleared out the vegetation.

After

After

Before

Dig & Demo is a full-service demolition and removal company.

After

Its services range from debris removal to building demolition.

After

Before

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INDUSTRY INFORMATION AND RESEARCHED ARTICLES BY THE DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESOURCE

Know What You Want

Further Research on Good Demolition Companies in Alameda County

As you’re completing your research and interviews, remember that the representative you first interview and even the one who comes to provide your estimate may not be on the deconstruction crew. If so, that leaves open the possibility that the rapport you’ve established and even some of the promises made may not carry through to the building demolition.

To protect yourself, confirm early on in the process who your on-the-job representative will be. Also, take care to record on the contract or estimate any promises you were made or any job details that you want to be sure are followed through.

That way, even if your original estimator isn’t on the job, you will have a written guarantee that all work will be performed as originally promised.

What To Ask In Person

Meet Alameda County Demolition Contractors in Person

After you’ve conducted telephone interviews of some local demolition services, you should have a good idea of what services are available to you. Review your notes and choose a few companies (three to five are a good number) to invite to your building to provide an estimate for building demo services.

This will give the local demolition contractors a chance to see the building you’re having destroyed, and it will enable you to ask some questions in person and gauge how well you will be able to work with the building removal company.

Again, take notes on the answers each company gives you, and write down other items you want to remember, such as the contractor’s attitude, suggestions, characteristics and any notes you wish to factor into your decision.

The list below will get you started; add in questions of your own to personalize the interview process.

How much time will this building demolition take from planning through final debris clean up?

What is your approach to demolishing a building of this size, location and difficulty?

Can you provide deconstruction, recycling, salvage services or other greener options for my building removal?

If there are other buildings near the one that is being torn down, are you able to guarantee they will not be damaged during the demolition process?

What precautions will I or my neighbors have to take as part of this process?

Is there a cancellation clause to your contract? What are the terms?

Will you be able to reuse, recycle or safely dispose of all the debris and waste from this demolition job? Are the costs of removal and disposal included in your bid and contract?

Will you give me the names and phone numbers of 10 recent customers who hired you for similar demolition projects?

Is there anything I need to do or can do to ease this process and make it go more smoothly?

What To Ask References

Find Good Demolition Services in Alameda County

Now that you’ve done your due diligence by researching, interviewing and calling references of local demolition companies in Alameda County, including those in Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, San Leandro, Alameda, Union City, Pleasanton, Newark and Dublin, or your area, review the information you’ve compiled one last time.

One of the contractors you interviewed should stand out above the others in terms of their skill, scheduling, services and prices. Remember, though, that price is only one of the factors that will help you decide. As with any kind of contracting services, demolition work is only as good as the contractor who provides it, and cheap demolition services are often not the same as building tear-down and removal offered by contractors who charge a fair price for a good value job.

Before deciding on the best demolition companies in Alameda County for you, it’s important to consider the following questions.

Is there one local demolition service that can best meet your needs when it comes to scheduling, technique, skill level, customer service, equipment and pricing?

Are the Alameda County demolition contractors you’ve interviewed knowledgeable about the scope, size and details of the residential or commercial building removal services you need? Can they explain to you their process for preparing, demolishing and cleaning up the building?

Are quality building demolition services in your budget? (Most good demolition services can offer solutions to help match their services with your budget. This may include a price range that varies depending on the type of preparation work, demolition methods, clean up and recycling/debris disposal.)

Review Your Options

Find Good Demolition Services in Alameda County

The Diamond Certified symbol has been awarded to companies that scored Highest in Quality in an accurate ratings process.

Now that you’ve done your due diligence by researching, interviewing and calling references of local demolition companies in Alameda County, including those in Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, San Leandro, Alameda, Union City, Pleasanton, Newark and Dublin, or your area, review the information you’ve compiled one last time.
…

Now that you’ve done your due diligence by researching, interviewing and calling references of local demolition companies in Alameda County, including those in Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, San Leandro, Alameda, Union City, Pleasanton, Newark and Dublin, or your area, review the information you’ve compiled one last time.

One of the contractors you interviewed should stand out above the others in terms of their skill, scheduling, services and prices. Remember, though, that price is only one of the factors that will help you decide. As with any kind of contracting services, demolition work is only as good as the contractor who provides it, and cheap demolition services are often not the same as building tear-down and removal offered by contractors who charge a fair price for a good value job.
Before deciding on the best demolition companies in Alameda County for you, it’s important to consider the following questions.

Is there one local demolition service that can best meet your needs when it comes to scheduling, technique, skill level, customer service, equipment and pricing?

Are the Alameda County demolition contractors you’ve interviewed knowledgeable about the scope, size and details of the residential or commercial building removal services you need? Can they explain to you their process for preparing, demolishing and cleaning up the building?

Are quality building demolition services in your budget? (Most good demolition services can offer solutions to help match their services with your budget. This may include a price range that varies depending on the type of preparation work, demolition methods, clean up and recycling/debris disposal.)

How To Work With

Start Your Search for Local Demolition Services on the Right Track

Do a little research about demolition before you start looking for Alameda County demolition services to hire. Learn about the types of demolition techniques (gut-outs, interior demolition, whole building demolition, deconstruction, explosive demolition, implosion, wrecking ball demolition, and high rise demolition, for example), to find out what options are open to you.

Next, find out if there are any considerations for buildings in your area. For example, if you need to have an old home demolished, in San Leandro, Berkeley, Hayward, Fremont and Oakland or another residential area, what are the neighborhood codes and regulations that apply? If you have an old commercial or industrial building you need to have torn down, are there any precautions or steps you have to take before deconstruction begins?

Think about any particular items you want to be part of your job—perhaps you’d like only an interior gut-out, or only a partial building demolition. Maybe more eco-friendly options such as deconstruction, salvage of reusable materials, and recycling of metals and wood is important to you.

Make It Official with a Signed Contract for Demolition Services
Once you’ve found a local demolition contractor that meets your expectations in terms of demolition work and customer service, it’s time to make your partnership official by signing a contract and making an appointment for the work.
You may simply be asked to sign the estimate, or there may be a separate contract for demolition services. Regardless of which type of document you are asked to sign, it should include the full price of the demolition services, the start date and projected end date, and an itemized list of all services and requests you’ve agreed upon.

Be sure that the contract or estimate you sign outlines requirements for both you and your Alameda County demolition contractor. And remember, signed contracts and estimates are legal documents that bind both signers. For this reason, never sign a blank or incomplete estimate, or one that doesn’t accurately reflect the work you need or agreements you’ve made.

Keep a copy of the signed contract for your records. You may want to refer to it in case of any questions, problems or misunderstandings, and at the end of the job to verify all work was done as promised.

Get Ready for Building Demolition Work
Good demolition companies in Alameda County, including those Diamond Certified demolition services that serve customers in Dublin, Newark, Pleasanton, Union City and Alameda, Livermore, San Lorenzo, Albany and Emeryville, and other local areas, are professionals with the equipment, skill and know-how to competently and completely provide the building demolishing services you’ve hired them to do.

However, there are a few things you can do to help the work go more smoothly and assist your Alameda County building removal crew in doing a better job.

Clear the work with neighbors and local businesses near the structure scheduled to be torn down. Regardless of the legally required notification process for building demolition in Oakland, Dublin, Fremont, Newark and Hayward or your area, be a good neighbor by informing those in your neighborhood who may be affected by the building demolition. Give neighbors, near-by businesses and any others whose homes or businesses are close to yours fair warning about the work you have planned. Share with them the building demolition schedule, including the timing of any expected explosions from explosive demolition work. Your Alameda County demolition service should take care to prevent dust and debris from damaging or impacting other buildings, but it’s only fair to keep your neighbors in the know.

Be aware of needed clearance and parking space for work trucks. Construction, demolition and demolition debris removal vehicles are often oversized and may need more space to park depending on the size of your driveway and available street parking. Ask your demolition contractor how many work vehicles, trailers or other large vehicles will need parking space. It may also be wise to walk through your property with your Alameda County building demolition contractor and have them advise you of any clearance issues, yard decorations or potential hazards that you can move or minimize before the work begins.

Move and store unnecessary items. Remove all unnecessary and movable items from the demolition area. This may include vehicles, yard ornaments or décor, signs, and other items you don’t want damaged by the demolition process. You may also want to give neighbors the chance to move their vehicles and belongings, depending on how close neighboring homes and businesses are to the building you’re having demolished. Most Alameda County demolition services take care not to damage surrounding grounds and buildings, but a high volume of work trucks, workers, and the possibility of errant demolition debris poses a risk of accidental damage.

Keep bystanders, children and pets away from the demolition area. Demolition contractors shouldn’t have to watch out for bystanders, kids and pets. So for safety’s sake, keep children, pets, employees, neighbors and other individuals away from the area that is to be demolished, before, during and after the work. Your Alameda County deconstruction service will tell you when it’s safe to reenter the property.

Be a Good Customer

How Can You Be a Good Demolition Company Customer?

Why should you care about being a good customer? Local demolition services in Alameda County and the rest of the Greater Bay Area work best with customers who are honest, reasonable and trustworthy.

Your good customer behavior sets the tone from your end and creates an environment conducive to a good relationship. Things may very well go smoother and any problems may be more easily resolved, so good customers often benefit from their conduct.

Here are a few simple things you can do to be a good customer when hiring Alameda County demolition services.

Be direct and honest when interviewing local demolition contractors. Let them know what you expect from their company and specific ways they can satisfy your expectations.

Remember, a smile goes a long way in establishing and maintaining a good rapport.

Most problems with local building demolition experts occur because of a breakdown in communication. You can avoid most conflicts by being completely clear about your expectations and theirs. Before you hire Alameda County demolition services, restate your expectations and goals, and reiterate to the demolition company representative your understanding of the agreement. Review the contract or estimate and ensure that it’s completely representative of your needs.

Ask your demolition contractor if you should call to check on the progress or if he will call you with updates.

Be sure your demolition service representative has a phone number where they can reach you at all times while they’re planning and demolishing your structure. The work will move along more smoothly if the demolition service can reach you with updates, questions or for work authorizations.

When your building removal contractor contacts you, return calls promptly to keep the building demolition on schedule.

Check The Work

Ensure All Demolishing Services Were Completed As Promised

Most demolition work seems fairly straightforward—building tear-down and site clean-up. However, it is your obligation to ensure that all work was performed as promised in your initial invoice and/or service contract.

When the work is done, ask your demolition company representative to walk through the work site with you. Ensure that all expected demolition work was completed, and that all debris have been removed (if that was part of the promised job). You should also make sure that all disposal directives were followed, especially if it was important to you to ask that materials from your demolished building be recycled or sent to reuse or recovery centers as possible.

At this point, your Alameda County demolition contractor should give you an invoice that represents all billable and included building tear-down services.

Complete invoices should include the following items:

The name, physical address and state license number of the demolition contractor.

A complete list of all work performed, including billable and non-billable services.

The total cost for your residential or commercial building demolition, including an itemized amount due for labor.

An itemized list and description of any extra costs that were not reflected in the original estimate or are not part of the above items.(Remember, your demolition service representative should have asked for and received written approval from you before any additional services not part of the original estimate or contract were performed).

Written Warranties

Common Types of Demolition Services in Alameda County

Demolition services vary widely depending on the company providing the building demolition and the needs of the customer hiring out the work. However, there are some standard demolition services provided by building destruction contractors throughout Alameda County, including those that serve Oakland, Dublin, Fremont, Newark and Hayward and other areas.

Building Gut-Out Services in Alameda County…

Demolition services vary widely depending on the company providing the building demolition and the needs of the customer hiring out the work. However, there are some standard demolition services provided by building destruction contractors throughout Alameda County, including those that serve Oakland, Dublin, Fremont, Newark and Hayward and other areas.

Building Gut-Out Services in Alameda County
Gut-out services, also known as gut-outs, are not true demolition services in the sense that the building is destroyed. Instead, gut-outs are internal building demolition in which only the inside of the buildings are torn out. Gut-outs are popular for older homes, industrial buildings, commercial buildings, shopping centers and public buildings that have aging interiors, but are structurally sound. Gut-outs are much more cost-effective than complete building demolition, as the building isn’t razed, and can simply be redesigned on the inside to accommodate updates.Residential Demolition / House Demolition
House demolition services, also called residential demolition, are tear-downs of homes or residential buildings in Alameda County. Demolition contractors who provide residential demolition services are usually able to remove homes from busy neighborhoods and rural areas with the same ease. House demolition may be performed using controlled demolition, explosive demolition or deconstruction in order to preserve other homes and buildings near the area.

Industrial Demolition
Old industrial buildings can be torn down using industrial demolition techniques such as explosive demolition, deconstruction or controlled demolition, depending on the size and needs of the industrial facility. Many industrial buildings are good candidates for deconstruction, where reusable machinery or recyclable materials are removed from the building prior to complete demolition.

Demolition Plan
Demolition plans are comprehensive plans used to systematically and safely bring down and remove old buildings. Demolition plans are especially important when the buildings that are to be demolished are in close proximity to other buildings, have attached structures that are not to be demolished, contain potentially hazardous materials, or have items that can be reused or recycled. Good demolition contractors in Alameda County and beyond will work with building owners and local building officials to create demolition plans that protect building owners and neighbors.

Selective Demolition
Buildings that do not need to be completely demolished are often good candidates for selective demolition. This process prepares existing structures for rebuilding, renovation, complete overhaul, or even additions. Selective demolition should only be performed by qualified demolition services, as the structural integrity of the building needs to be maintained during the demolition work. Some sections may need to be reinforced, while other areas may need to be completely removed or demolished.

Controlled Demolition
Controlled demolition is a type of explosive demolition that is carefully planned to bring the building down within its own footprint. Controlled demolition is often used in the removal of commercial buildings and other large buildings that are in close proximity to neighboring structures.

Bridge Demolition
Because of its complexity and specialized nature, bridge demolition services should only be attempted by skilled demolition companies that have experience with bridge demolition. Bridge removal is often accomplished through a combination of explosive demolition, controlled demolition and manual demolition.

Green Demolition
Green demolition services are those that seek to minimize the ecological impact of building demolition, including the reuse, recycling and salvaging of reusable materials from inside the building. Green demolition may also be used for industrial buildings and buildings that contain hazardous or potentially hazardous materials.

Commercial Demolition
Commercial buildings such as shopping malls, shopping centers, stores, high-rise office buildings, commercial facilities and public buildings require different demolition tactics than do residential demolition. Commercial demolition companies often provide salvage and recycling services for materials within the commercial buildings, and usually use explosives and controlled demolition tactics to bring down buildings quickly and easily.

Explosive Demolition Services
All building demolitions requiring the use of explosives are referred to as “explosive demolitions.” These are usually in the form of controlled demolition, where explosives are carefully set and used to implode buildings into their own existing footprint. Explosive demolition tends to be fast, with buildings taking only a few moments to fall after the explosives have been set.

Top 10 Requests

Common Types of Demolition Services in Alameda County

Demolition services vary widely depending on the company providing the building demolition and the needs of the customer hiring out the work. However, there are some standard demolition services provided by building destruction contractors throughout Alameda County, including those that serve Oakland, Dublin, Fremont, Newark and Hayward and other areas.

Building Gut-Out Services in Alameda County
Gut-out services, also known as gut-outs, are not true demolition services in the sense that the building is destroyed. Instead, gut-outs are internal building demolition in which only the inside of the buildings are torn out. Gut-outs are popular for older homes, industrial buildings, commercial buildings, shopping centers and public buildings that have aging interiors, but are structurally sound. Gut-outs are much more cost-effective than complete building demolition, as the building isn’t razed, and can simply be redesigned on the inside to accommodate updates.

Residential Demolition / House Demolition
House demolition services, also called residential demolition, are tear-downs of homes or residential buildings in Alameda County. Demolition contractors who provide residential demolition services are usually able to remove homes from busy neighborhoods and rural areas with the same ease. House demolition may be performed using controlled demolition, explosive demolition or deconstruction in order to preserve other homes and buildings near the area.

Industrial Demolition
Old industrial buildings can be torn down using industrial demolition techniques such as explosive demolition, deconstruction or controlled demolition, depending on the size and needs of the industrial facility. Many industrial buildings are good candidates for deconstruction, where reusable machinery or recyclable materials are removed from the building prior to complete demolition.

Demolition Plan
Demolition plans are comprehensive plans used to systematically and safely bring down and remove old buildings. Demolition plans are especially important when the buildings that are to be demolished are in close proximity to other buildings, have attached structures that are not to be demolished, contain potentially hazardous materials, or have items that can be reused or recycled. Good demolition contractors in Alameda County and beyond will work with building owners and local building officials to create demolition plans that protect building owners and neighbors.

Selective Demolition
Buildings that do not need to be completely demolished are often good candidates for selective demolition. This process prepares existing structures for rebuilding, renovation, complete overhaul, or even additions. Selective demolition should only be performed by qualified demolition services, as the structural integrity of the building needs to be maintained during the demolition work. Some sections may need to be reinforced, while other areas may need to be completely removed or demolished.

Controlled Demolition
Controlled demolition is a type of explosive demolition that is carefully planned to bring the building down within its own footprint. Controlled demolition is often used in the removal of commercial buildings and other large buildings that are in close proximity to neighboring structures.

Bridge Demolition
Because of its complexity and specialized nature, bridge demolition services should only be attempted by skilled demolition companies that have experience with bridge demolition. Bridge removal is often accomplished through a combination of explosive demolition, controlled demolition and manual demolition.

Green Demolition
Green demolition services are those that seek to minimize the ecological impact of building demolition, including the reuse, recycling and salvaging of reusable materials from inside the building. Green demolition may also be used for industrial buildings and buildings that contain hazardous or potentially hazardous materials.

Commercial Demolition
Commercial buildings such as shopping malls, shopping centers, stores, high-rise office buildings, commercial facilities and public buildings require different demolition tactics than do residential demolition. Commercial demolition companies often provide salvage and recycling services for materials within the commercial buildings, and usually use explosives and controlled demolition tactics to bring down buildings quickly and easily.

Explosive Demolition Services
All building demolitions requiring the use of explosives are referred to as “explosive demolitions.” These are usually in the form of controlled demolition, where explosives are carefully set and used to implode buildings into their own existing footprint. Explosive demolition tends to be fast, with buildings taking only a few moments to fall after the explosives have been set.

Glossary Of Terms

Glossary of Building Demolition Services and Other Terms

Building demolition contractors have their own set of terms and definitions for the services they provide and the tools they use. The glossary below will help you better understand the terms used by the building demolition service you’ve hired.

The list below is just a sampling of terms you may encounter as part of a building demolition project. As with any construction service, ask your demolition contractor for an explanation or better description of any services, materials, equipment or terms you do not understand.

bridge demolition
Bridge removal is often accomplished through a combination of explosive demolition, controlled demolition and manual demolition.

commercial demolition services
Commercial buildings such as shopping malls and shopping centers, stores, office buildings, high-rise commercial facilities and public buildings require different demolition tactics than residential demolition. Commercial demolition may include salvage and recycling services for materials within the commercial buildings, and usually use explosives and controlled demolition tactics to bring down buildings quickly and easily.

controlled demolition
Controlled demolition is a is carefully planned explosive demolition process that brings down buildings within their own footprint. Controlled demolition is often used in the removal of commercial buildings and large buildings that are in close proximity to other structures.

Also known as: explosive demolition, tight-space building demolition

deconstruction
Taking a building apart carefully to preserve building materials and contents that can be recycled or reused. This is a modern approach to demolition, and it can be a much greener or eco-friendly choice.

Also known as: tearing down, building deconstruction services

demolition
Demolition is the complete destruction, tearing down or razing of a building or structure. Demolition is commonly used to remove old or dangerous structures, or clear room for a new building or structure.

Also known as: building demolition, building destruction, building removal, structure demolition

demolition by neglect
The destruction of buildings or structures through abandonment or lack of maintenance. Buildings that have been demolished by neglect usually need to be pulled down or completely demolished by a demolition service, as only some areas of a building may come down on their own. Some old homes, old industrial buildings or manufacturing facilities are allowed to self-demolish if they are in areas that will not impact neighbors or the property values of others. However, the buildings should be checked for toxic materials to ensure no dangerous materials leach into the ground and contaminate the soil or groundwater.

Also known as: demolish by neglect, building neglect, neglected building collapse

demolition plan
Demolition plans are comprehensive plans designed to systematically and safely raze and remove old buildings. Demolition plans are especially important when the buildings that are to be demolished are in close proximity to other buildings, have attached structures that are not to be demolished, contain potentially hazardous materials, or have items that can be reused or recycled.

Also known as: demolition directive, plan for building demolition

explosive demolition
Building demolitions that use of explosives are called “explosive demolitions.” Explosive building demolition is usually in the form of controlled demolition, where explosives are carefully set to implode buildings into their own existing footprint. Explosive demolition is fast, with buildings taking only a few moments to fall after the explosives have been set and triggered.

Also known as: explosion demolition, building demolition using explosives, controlled demolition

green demolition
Green demolition services minimize the ecological impact of building demolition. Most green demolition services reuse, recycle and/or salvage reusable materials from inside the building prior to razing it. Green demolition may be used for industrial buildings and buildings that contain hazardous or potentially hazardous materials.

Also known as: eco-friendly demolition, demolition salvage, old building salvage, salvaged building recycling

gut-outs
Gut-out services, also known as gut-outs, do not destroy buildings. Instead, gut-outs are internal building demolition in which only the inside of the buildings are torn out. Gut-outs are popular for older homes, industrial buildings, commercial buildings, shopping centers and public buildings that are structurally sound but have aging interiors. Gut-outs are usually less expensive than complete building demolition.

Also known as: gut-outs, building gutting, interior demolition, interior gutting

hydraulic excavators
Hydraulic excavators are machines used to remove single- or two-story buildings. Most often, demolition contractors use hydraulic excavation to pull down the building in a controlled manner to preserve the buildings and area around the old building.

Also known as: hydraulic machinery, building removal excavators, building demolition excavators

high reach demolition
Demolition for tall buildings with multiple stories is known as high reach demolition. This method usually uses wrecking balls, high-reach excavators, shear attachments and hydraulic hammers. High reach demolition is typically done in buildings where explosive demolition isn’t possible.

Also known as: high rise demolition, demolition of high rise buildings, multi-story building demolition, tall building demolition

industrial demolition
Old industrial buildings can be torn down using industrial demolition techniques such as explosive demolition, deconstruction or controlled demolition. Many industrial buildings are good candidates for deconstruction, where reusable machinery or recyclable materials are removed from the building prior to complete demolition.

Also known as: industrial building demolition, industrial building removal

interior demolitions
Demolition of interior structures within a building is known as an interior demolition or gut out. This leaves the exterior of the building intact, so that the interior can be completely replaced. Interior demolitions are a popular choice for property managers and commercial building owners of buildings that are good structural shape, but are outdated or in need of complete interior overhauls.

Also known as: interior building demolition, gut outs

implosion
Setting explosives carefully to destroy a building through implosion using explosives. Implosion is a poplar way to destroy and remove large buildings, smokestacks, chimneys, grain elevators, high rise buildings and other tall or large buildings. Implosion must be done by a skilled contractor because of the risk of damage to surrounding buildings. Building implosion experts can ensure that a building falls back into its own footprint, and does not damage neighboring buildings.

Also known as: building implosion, controlled implosion

non-explosive demolition
All types of demolition that do not require explosives are considered non-explosive demolition. This may be accomplished through use of a wrecking ball, cranes and other large equipment. Non-explosive demolition is relatively less expensive and easy compared to explosive demolition. Some pre-demolition work, such as knocking down the overall height of a building before demolition can be considered non-explosive demolition, even if explosives are used in the final steps of building removal or razing.

residential demolition
House demolition services are tear-downs of homes or residential buildings. Demolition contractors who provide residential demolition services are usually able to remove homes from close-quarter neighborhoods and rural areas with the same ease. House demolition may be performed using controlled demolition, explosive demolition or deconstruction in order to preserve other homes and buildings near the area.

Also known as: house demolition, house razing, residential building razing

salvage
Removing reusable items from buildings before demolition, and taking out demolished materials that can be recycled is known as building salvage.

Also known as: building salvage, salvaged building materials, green building demolition

selective demolition
Buildings that do not need to be completely demolished are often good candidates for selective demolition. This process prepares existing structures for rebuilding, renovation, complete overhaul, or even additions.

Also known as: partial demolition

wet demolition
In areas where dust needs be controlled, a wet demolition may be the preferred method of knocking down an old building. Typically, a wet demolition is accomplished by using a fire hose to wet down the building before and during demolition. Bulldozers are often used for the actual demolition, and loaders take out the waste materials.

Also known as: damp demolition, dust-free building demolition

wrecking ball
A metal ball attached by a chain to a crane, used in building demolition, is known as a wrecking ball. Wrecking balls aren’t used as often as they once were, due to the difficulty in aiming them correctly. The uncontrolled movement is a safety hazard and can damage nearby buildings. Wrecking balls may still be used in some demolition jobs, especially those that need to have plaster removed from buildings or those that need to be brought down to a lower height before they can be removed with a crane or other equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ About Building Demolition Services

You’ll want to ask your building demolition service specific questions about your building razing needs, whether you’re hiring the company for residential building demolition, industrial building demolition or commercial building demolition. The following questions are those frequently asked of local building demolition contractors.

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified demolition service?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a demolition expert with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only demolition companies rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified demolition contractor.

Q: What types of structures can be demolished?
A: Local demolition companies can demolish all types of residential, commercial and industrial buildings including one-story buildings such as homes and small public buildings, large industrial plants, old commercial buildings, old schools, vacant hotels and multi-unit buildings, and multi-story buildings including high-rise buildings.

Q: What choices do I have for demolition methods?
A: Demolition methods include explosive demolition, implosion, wrecking ball demolition, pulling down old buildings, interior demolition, high-rise or high reach demolition, demolition using cranes and hydraulic excavators, deconstruction and manual demolition. Your demolition contractor will help you decide which method of demolition is best for your building, your budget and the area in which your building is located.

Q: What type of demolition equipment can be used to tear down old buildings?
A: Caterpillars, excavators, wrecking balls, cranes, hydraulic excavators, elevated work platforms, bulldozers, rock breakers and rotational hydraulic shears are popular choices for demolition work. Your demolition company should be willing and able to tell you which equipment and methods they’ll use to take down your old building.

Q: How can my demolition contractor dispose of the demolition debris?
A: Many demolition companies will work with a local recycling center to reprocess any debris that can be reused or recycled. Some methods can keep up to 90 percent of your demolished building’s debris out of landfills. Non-recyclable or reusable debris and items may be taken to a landfill. Check with your demolition service to see how they dispose of demolition waste?

Q: What should I look for in a demolition contractor?
A: Demolition is more than simply the act of tearing down a building. Demolition contractors should be licensed, insured, have responsible and skilled employees, and have access to the tools and equipment needed to demolish residential, commercial and industrial buildings. You may also want to look for a demolition contractor that is trained to handle asbestos, lead paint and other hazardous materials.

Q: Is there a more environmentally-friendly way to raze my residential, commercial or industrial structure?
A: Yes. Many demolition services offer green demolition services. Depending on the type of building you own and the services you need, these may include deconstruction services, removal of all recyclable materials, removal of reusable materials, salvaging of equipment and other salable materials, and special anti-contamination demolition techniques. Recycling, reusing and salvaging of building contents avoids adding more waste than necessary to local landfills, and decontamination demolition techniques can ensure that any industrial waste or hazardous building materials won’t seep into the environment. Ask your demolition company about what steps they can take to make your building demolition less environmentally-impacting.

Q: Can local demolition companies remove only parts of my structure?
A: Absolutely. Many demolition services are able to provide gut-outs for buildings that are structurally-sound but need to be renovated inside. Others can offer partial demolition or selective demolition for buildings that are only partially in need of razing. This enables you to keep some of the existing structure, while preparing the interior or grounds for new interiors or sections of building.